Connecting with Rachel Goldstein

How have relationships influenced your professional development and leadership style?

As a veteran event producer and programming expert, relationships are everything! In my 30 years of experience, I have developed a coveted rolodex for all of my clients' needs. I love the power of a phone call these days. If I need to get things done, I don't wait for an email to be answered. I pick up the phone. I marvel at being able to continue to reach out to people I worked with for so many decades. I get inspired by the younger generations who teach me things day in and day out.

Do you have any tips for maintaining and building strong relationships?

Find your purpose and surround yourself with like-minded people. Stay in touch with the good ones! Amplify their messages, and always help!?Kindness is the key!

How have you intentionally built inclusiveness into your circles?

A book I will write one day will be called “I Only See Heartbeats!” as I look at everyone whose personal life and career have crossed paths, respecting their history, their race, their religion, their sexual preference, et al. The world has so much beauty to it. If we could just accept the mosaic of it all, humankind would be stronger. When I hire team members or book speakers for a panel, I include representatives from all backgrounds. ?

What community or communities are you proud to be a part of?

Sixteen years ago, I was a co-founder of Dot?2?Dot, which is a movement that started with a summit that convened the most powerful young leaders who inspire and challenge their generation to take ownership and action. It is a network of creative and accomplished leaders that represent our generation through leadership and innovation. It can also actively engage in decision-making for the future of our country and the planet. Our leaders represent the interests of the generation by advocating to hold government and business accountable for their actions.

Who’s a Connector that's made a difference in your life?

One of my dear mentors is the irreplaceable Sunny Bates. She was one of the original consiglieres at the TED Conferences. She is an ultimate connector whose big heart and open mind are someone I lean on when my life and career transitions.

It's an honor to feature inspiring change-makers across industries who share their stories and words of wisdom about how to build meaningful relationships. Catch up on #CONNECTED with our previous guests, including Caitlin Morris , Nandika Madgavkar , Rhonesha Byng , and more!

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, seasoned communicator and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies , a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships.

Follow Susan on LinkedIn , Twitter and Instagram and order her new book, The Lost Art of Connecting , also available on Kindle and Audiobook.